Deodorant is now an integral part of the hygiene products found in bathrooms. It comes in various forms, from solid sticks to roll-ons, sprays, and even deodorant creams. The compositions are diverse, so it is essential to pay attention to the ingredients and active substances when choosing your deodorant.
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Deodorant: the dangers to be aware of.
Summary
Published October 10, 2022,
updated on August 7, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
Ingredients to avoid in a deodorant.
In recent years, traditional deodorants have become controversial due to certain components:
The parabens :
Some deodorants contain parabens due to their antimicrobial properties. However, these compounds are recognised endocrine disruptors (= which upset hormonal balance). Therefore, avoid choosing a deodorant that lists, for example, Butylparaben or Propylparaben in its INCI list.
It should be noted that manufacturers have replaced these preservatives with other ingredients such as MCIT (methylchloroisothiazolinone) or MIT (methylisothiazolinone). However, with continuous exposure to the same substances, the skin can sometimes develop sensitivities to these compounds.
The triclosan :
This ingredient serves as an antimicrobial agent, preservative, and deodorant. However, it is also a potential endocrine disruptor as well as a skin irritant and potential eye irritant. It is also suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer. Its concentration is now regulated in deodorants (other than in spray form): it must not exceed 0.3%.
Talc :
This mineral powder is recognised for its effectiveness in absorbing moisture and excess perspiration. However, talc is widely controversial today.In 2012, ANSES concluded that it was not possible to rule out the presence of asbestos fibres in certain talc deposits. Moreover, studies have demonstrated harmful effects on the respiratory system following the inhalation of talc.
Alcohol :
Ethanol is frequently added to traditional deodorants due to itsantiseptic propertiesand with the aim toreduce drying time. However, this compound has a strong drying effect and can cause irritations, redness and tingling in the underarm area.
Note : In everyday language, the term "deodorant" is more commonly used than "anti-perspirant". Thus, we sometimes refer to aluminium salt deodorants, when in fact they are anti-perspirants. It is possible to identify aluminium salts on I.N.C.I. lists under the following names: Aluminium Chloryde, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Aluminium Chlorydrex, Aluminium Sesquichlorydrate, Aluminium Zirconium. Several studies have correlated the presence of aluminium salts in mammary cells with the development of malignant tumours and therefore breast cancer. Even thoughthe CSSC (European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety) issued a report in 2019 attesting to the very low skin absorption (around 0.00052%) of aluminium salts, even on shaved or waxed skin, by precautionary principle, it is still preferable to exclude them from daily hygiene products.
Are deodorants harmful to the environment?
Indeed, deodorants in the form of aerosol sprays were harmful to the environment, but thanks to international measures, they are now safe for the ozone layer.
The story dates back to the early 1980s.Studies highlighted the fact that several types of aerosols were emittingvolatile organic compounds(VOCs), includingchlorofluorocarbons(CFCs), which were responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer. CFCs were in fact propellant gases used since the Second World War due to their interesting properties: non-flammable, odourless and stable. In cosmetic products, they were particularly found in deodorants or hair sprays. However, these gases release atoms of chlorine and bromine that rise into the stratosphere to react with ozone, leading to its destruction.
The solution was radical and did not delay: in 1987, with the Montreal Protocol, leaders from countries around the world agreed to gradually eliminate CFCs. Industrialists then proposed replacement solutions to be integrated into aerosol cans.
Thanks to this global action, the hole in the ozone layer has begun to significantly repair itself since the 2000s. According to specialists' predictions,the upper ozone layer above the Northern Hemisphere could be fully restored from 2030 onwards whilethe gaping hole above Antarctica should disappear by the 2060s.
Sources:
KREWSKI D. & al. Systematic review of potential health risks associated with pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposure to metallic and nanoscale aluminium, aluminium oxides, aluminium hydroxide and its soluble salts. Critical Reviews in Toxicology (2014).
SAPPINO A. P. & co. Aluminium chloride promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells. International Journal of Cancer (2016).
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: SCCS/1613/19 (2019).
Risk assessment related to the use of aluminium in cosmetic products - Information note - ANSM: National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products.
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